In the 9,000 square meters of the arsenal’s Corderie and Artiglierie,
Rosa Martínez shows works of 49 artists. As she stated at the
press conference in Berlin (see our introduction), she was left with no other alternative but to maintain
the linear sequence of the space, but incorporating the impressive atmosphere
of the old masonry. Many of the works were specially made for the exhibition,
and some created on the open-air exhibition grounds next to the long halls.

The title of Rosa Martínez’ exhibition is taken from a fictional
character found in one of the small books on the adventures of Corto Maltese,
created by the Venetian writer and comic-strip artist Hugo Pratt. In her statement,
one correspondingly reads: "Pratt’s writings have turned Corto Maltese
into a legend: he personifies the myth of the romantic traveler always open
to chance and risk, and always crossing every imaginable frontier in pursuit
of his own destiny." Using this figure as her inspiration, Martínez
affirms that "art is an imaginary construct," and that "fantasy
helps us toward a better understanding of reality".

In Berlin, during the interview with the press, she added that the title of
the exhibition also addresses, for example, the concept and the will of the
philosophers, scientists, and artists who dare to venture into new territories
and go beyond the known horizons. But simultaneously, Martínez deeply
regretted not having had more time for research, and was not entirely satisfied,
especially where it concerned including artists from other regions (meaning
outside of Europe and North America).